JP6439399B2 - Image processing apparatus, data processing method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that executes various jobs, a data processing method therefor, and the like.

  2. Description of the Related Art Image processing apparatuses that can execute various jobs such as copying, scanning, fax transmission, fax reception, and PC printing have become widespread. Such an image processing apparatus is called a “multifunction machine” or “MFP (Multi Function Peripherals)”. The image processing apparatus can be shared by a plurality of users. Therefore, the image processing apparatus may be given a large number of jobs at one time.

  However, an inexpensive image processing apparatus may not have a sufficient memory capacity. The smaller the memory capacity, the fewer jobs that can be accepted. Therefore, it is required to use the memory efficiently.

  The following methods have been proposed as a method for efficiently using the memory. Image input means for inputting an image as digital information to an image input / output device, first bitmap memory means for storing image data inputted by the image input means, and first bitmap memory by the input means Encoding means for encoding the digital information stored in the means; first code memory means for recording data encoded by the encoding means; and encoded data recorded in the code memory means Non-volatile memory means for recording data, non-volatile memory writing means for writing data encoded by the encoding means to the non-volatile memory means, and non-volatile memory reading for reading data from the non-volatile memory means Means and second code memory means for storing data read by the nonvolatile memory reading means; Decoding means for decoding the encoded data on the second encoding memory, second bitmap memory means for expanding the data decoded by the decoding means, and the second bitmap memory Image output means for outputting digital information stored in the means to the outside of the apparatus, and memory management means for managing the memory capacity of the second code memory and the second bitmap memory means at the time of image output. Keep it. The image output means, the encoding means, and the decoding means can sequentially process image data of less than one page as band data, and the memory management means is capable of not stopping after the image output means is activated. In the case where the output means is possible, a memory capacity of a size that can accommodate all of the data for the page output from the second code memory is secured, and the second bitmap memory has a memory size in units of bands that is less than a page. If the image output means is not an output means that cannot be stopped after activation, both the second code memory and the second bitmap memory are secured in band units (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-20029

  The method described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 improves the use of the memory by changing the method of securing the memory capacity depending on whether the image output means can be stopped after activation or not.

  However, in an image processing apparatus that does not have a sufficient memory capacity but can execute various types of jobs, it is desirable that the memory can be used more efficiently.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to use a memory more efficiently in an image processing apparatus than in the past.

An image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires image data, and decompresses fax data acquired as the data from another apparatus, which is a process that increases the size of the data when executed. first process involving the conversion process, which converts the decompressed and resolution to, and a second process, the one or more processes included in at least one, performed on the data, the data processing means A memory for storing the acquired data or the data subjected to the one or more processes, and the data subjected to the first process or the second stored in the memory Output means for outputting the processed data, the acquired data and the one or more stored in the memory If the total amount of processing has been performed the data exceeds a predetermined amount, the first of the processing involved in the process, the data processing to wait for performing the decompression process and the conversion process Control means for controlling the means.
An image processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires image data, and PDL (data acquired from another apparatus as the data, which is a process that increases the size of the data when executed. One or more processes included in at least one of the first process and the second process including the analysis process for analyzing the data of Page Description Language) and the rendering process for rasterizing are performed on the data. A data processing means, a memory for storing the acquired data or the data subjected to the one or more processes, and the first process stored in the memory Output means for outputting the data or the data subjected to the second process, and the acquired data stored in the memory. And executing the analysis process and the drawing process among the processes included in the first process when the total amount of the data subjected to the one or more processes exceeds a predetermined amount. Control means for controlling the data processing means to stand by.
An image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires image data, and one or at least one of a first process and a second process for the acquired data. Data processing means for performing a plurality of processes, a memory for storing the acquired data or the data subjected to the one or more processes, and the first process stored in the memory. The output means for outputting the processed data or the data subjected to the second process, and the size included in the first process that increases the size of the acquired data when executed During the execution of the enlargement process, the total amount of the acquired data and the data subjected to the one or more processes stored in the memory is If it exceeds the amount of the constant, for controlling the data processing means so as to interrupt the size enlargement processing, has a control means.

  Preferably, the output unit prints the image on a sheet based on the data subjected to the first process, and the data subjected to the second process to another device. And transmitting means for transmitting to.

  Alternatively, the predetermined amount is an amount of the data necessary to maximize the capability of the printing unit or to a certain level.

  According to the present invention, the memory can be used more efficiently in the image processing apparatus than before.

It is a figure which shows the example of the network system which has an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the hardware constitutions of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a functional structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a job list. It is a figure which shows the example of the flow of a process of each job, and the flow of data. It is a figure which shows the example of the magnitude of the data handled by each job. It is a flowchart explaining the example of the flow of the whole process by a job control program.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network system having an image processing apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus 1 can communicate with any one of the terminal devices 21A, 21B,... Via a LAN (Local Area Network) line 31, and the fax terminal 22A, It is possible to communicate with any one of 22B,. Hereinafter, the terminal devices 21A, 21B,... Are collectively referred to as “terminal device 21”, and the fax terminals 22A, 22B,.

  The image processing apparatus 1 is an apparatus that integrates functions such as printing, scanning, fax communication, and IP (Internet Protocol) communication. Generally, it is sometimes called “image forming apparatus”, “multifunction machine”, or “MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)”.

  The terminal device 21 is a client of the image processing device 1. As the terminal device 21, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or the like is used.

  The fax terminal 22 is a device that exchanges image data using a fax protocol. A fax machine or MFP is used as the fax terminal 22.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 1 includes a main controller 10, a mass storage device 10e, a touch panel display 10f, an operation key panel 10g, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 10h, a modem 10i, a scan unit 10j, and a print unit 10k. Consists of.

  The main controller 10 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 10a, a random access memory (RAM) 10b, a read only memory (ROM) 10c, and a flash memory 10d.

  Programs and data are stored in the ROM 10c or the flash memory 10d, and are appropriately loaded into the RAM 10b. The CPU 10a executes a program loaded on the RAM 10b.

  The mass storage device 10e is a storage such as a hard disk or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Programs and data are stored in the large-capacity storage device 10e, and are loaded into the RAM 10b as appropriate.

  The touch panel display 10f displays a screen showing a message for the user, a screen for the user to input a command or information, a screen showing a result of processing executed by the CPU 10a, and the like. The touch panel display 10f sends a signal indicating the touched position to the CPU 10a.

  The operation key panel 10g is a so-called hardware keyboard, and includes a numeric keypad, a start key, a stop key, a function key, and the like.

  The NIC 10h exchanges data with the terminal device 21 by a protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

  The modem 10i exchanges data with the fax terminal 22 by a fax protocol such as G3 or G4.

  The scan unit 10j reads an image written on a sheet set on the platen glass and generates image data.

  In addition to the image read by the scan unit 10j, the print unit 10k prints an image acquired from another device by the NIC 10h or the modem 10i on a sheet.

  The image processing apparatus 1 is provided with various functions as described above. The image processing apparatus 1 executes various jobs using a plurality of these functions. In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 1 executes a PC print job, a fax reception job, a copy job, a SCAN_TO_PC job, and a fax transmission job. The process of these jobs is different. Each process includes at least one process as follows.

  The PC print job is a job for receiving image data described in PDL (Page Description Language) from the terminal device 21 and printing an image indicated by the image data on paper.

  The fax reception job is a job for receiving fax data from the fax terminal 22 and printing an image shown in the fax data on a sheet.

  The copy job is a job for scanning (copying) an image from a certain sheet on another sheet.

  The SCAN_TO_PC job is a job that scans an image from a sheet to generate an image file of a predetermined format and transmits the image file to the terminal device 21.

  The fax transmission job is a job that scans an image from a sheet to generate fax data and transmits the fax data to the fax terminal 22.

  A job control program 10P is stored in the ROM 10c, the flash memory 10d, or the mass storage device 10e. The job control program 10P is a program that controls each unit of the image processing apparatus 1 so that the above-described job is executed. Furthermore, according to the job control program 10P, even when jobs with printing are accumulated, the amount of data stored in the RAM 10b (that is, the amount of use of the RAM 10b) can be reduced as compared with the conventional case. Hereinafter, this mechanism will be described.

  In some cases, the image processing apparatus 1 does not include the mass storage device 10e. In this case, the job control program 10P is stored in the flash memory 10d.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the job list 40. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow and data flow of each job.

  According to the job control program 10P, the job control unit 101, the job list storage unit 102, the memory monitoring unit 103, the analysis processing unit 151, the drawing processing unit 152, the first image processing unit 153, the decompression processing unit 154 shown in FIG. Functions such as a resolution conversion unit 155, an image correction unit 156, a second image processing unit 157, a file conversion unit 158, and a compression processing unit 159 are realized.

  The job list storage unit 102 stores and manages the job list 40. The job list 40 stores a record 4R for each job as shown in FIG. The record 4R indicates the job code for identifying the job, the type of the job, and the current status of the job.

  The job list storage unit 102 generates the record 4R as follows and stores it in the job list 40.

  When the NIC 10h starts to receive PDL image data (hereinafter referred to as “image data 6A1”), the job list storage unit 102 issues a unique job code. Then, a record 4R indicating this job code, “PC print job” as the type, and “receiving” as the status is generated and stored in the job list 40.

  Similarly, when the fax data (hereinafter referred to as “fax data 6B1”) starts to be received by the modem 10i, the job list storage unit 102 generates the record 4R. However, this record 4R indicates “fax reception job” instead of “PC print job” as the type.

  Alternatively, when the user sets a sheet in the scan unit 10j and inputs a copy job command, the job list storage unit 102 issues a unique job code. Then, a record 4R indicating this job code, “copy job” as the type, and “waiting for scanning” as the status is generated and stored in the job list 40.

  Similarly, when a fax transmission job or a SCAN_TO_PC job command is input instead of a copy job command, the job list storage unit 102 generates a record 4R. However, when a fax transmission job command is input, the type is “fax transmission job”, and when a SCAN_TO_PC job command is input, the type is “SCAN_TO_PC job”.

  Thereafter, the job list storage unit 102 updates the status of the record 4R of the job in accordance with the progress of the job.

  The job control unit 101 controls each unit so that a job is executed. Here, how each type of job is executed by each unit will be described with reference to FIG.

(1) PC Print Job When the image data 6A1 is received by the NIC 10h, it is stored in the reception buffer 71. The reception buffer 71 is a buffer that temporarily stores data received from another device for the next processing, and is a logical storage area provided in the RAM 10b. An intermediate language buffer 72 or a transmission waiting buffer 78, which will be described later, is also a buffer that temporarily stores predetermined types of data for the next processing, and is a logical storage area provided in the RAM 10b.

  The analysis processing unit 151 generates intermediate language data 6A2 for each page by analyzing the image data 6A1 and converting it into an intermediate language. The intermediate language data 6A2 is stored in the intermediate language buffer 72. When the intermediate language data 6A2 is stored in the intermediate language buffer 72, the image data 6A1 is deleted from the reception buffer 71.

  The rendering processing unit 152 rasterizes the intermediate language data 6A2 of each page to generate bitmap data 6A3 that represents the contents (images) of each page as a bitmap of CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). Generate. The bitmap data 6A3 is stored in the bitmap buffer 73, and the intermediate language data 6A2 is deleted from the intermediate language buffer 72.

  The first image processing unit 153 performs the correction process or the resolution change (conversion) process on the bitmap data 6A3 according to the characteristics or specifications of the print unit 10k, thereby obtaining the corrected image data 6A4. Generate. The corrected image data 6A4 is stored in the print waiting buffer 74, and the bitmap data 6A3 is deleted from the bitmap buffer 73.

  Then, the print unit 10k prints an image on a sheet based on the corrected image data 6A4. When the printing is completed, the corrected image data 6A4 is deleted from the print waiting buffer 74.

(2) Fax Reception Job When the fax data 6B1 is received by the modem 10i, it is stored in the reception buffer 71.

  The expansion processing unit 154 generates binary image data 6B2 by expanding the fax data 6B1. The binary image data 6B2 is stored in the decompression buffer 75, and the fax data 6B1 is deleted from the reception buffer 71.

  The resolution conversion unit 155 generates corrected image data 6B3 by performing resolution change processing on the binary image data 6B2 according to the characteristics or specifications of the print unit 10k. The corrected image data 6B3 is stored in the print waiting buffer 74, and the binary image data 6B2 is deleted from the expansion buffer 75.

  Then, the print unit 10k prints an image on a sheet based on the corrected image data 6B3. When the printing is completed, the corrected image data 6B3 is deleted from the print waiting buffer 74.

(3) Copy Job The image data 6C1 of the image read from the paper by the scan unit 10j is stored in the scan buffer 76. The image data 6C1 is RGB (red, green, blue) bitmap data.

  The image correction unit 156 generates correction image data 6C2 by performing correction processing such as dirt removal and orientation adjustment on the image data 6C1, and further performing processing for reducing the resolution. The corrected image data 6C2 is stored in the correction buffer 77, and the image data 6C1 is deleted from the scan buffer 76.

  The second image processing unit 157 generates bitmap data 6C3 that represents the contents (images) of each page as a CMYK bitmap by performing color space conversion processing on the corrected image data 6C2. The bitmap data 6C3 is stored in the print waiting buffer 74, and the corrected image data 6C2 is deleted from the correction buffer 77.

  Then, the print unit 10k prints an image on a sheet based on the bitmap data 6C3. When printing is completed, the bitmap data 6C3 is deleted from the print waiting buffer 74.

(4) SCAN_TO_PC job Also in the case of a SCAN_TO_PC job, the image data 6C1 is stored in the scan buffer 76 and the corrected image data 6C2 is generated by the image correction unit 156 as in the case of a copy job. The corrected image data 6C2 is stored in the correction buffer 77, and the image data 6C1 is deleted from the scan buffer 76.

  The file conversion unit 158 generates the image file 6D3 by converting the corrected image data 6C2 into a file specified in advance by the user and converting it into a file. When images are read from a plurality of pages, the format of the corrected image data 6C2 of each page is converted and integrated to generate an image file 6D3. The image file 6D3 is stored in the transmission waiting buffer 78, and the corrected image data 6C2 is deleted from the correction buffer 77.

  Then, the NIC 10h transmits the image file 6D3 to the terminal device 21 designated in advance by the user. When the transmission is completed, the image file 6D3 is deleted from the transmission waiting buffer 78. For example, when a folder provided in the terminal device 21A is designated, the image file 6D3 is transmitted to the terminal device 21A and this folder is notified as a storage destination.

(5) Fax transmission job Also in the case of a fax transmission job, the image data 6C1 is stored in the scan buffer 76 and the corrected image data 6C2 is generated by the image correction unit 156, as in the case of the SCAN_TO_PC job or the copy job. The corrected image data 6C2 is stored in the correction buffer 77, and the image data 6C1 is deleted from the scan buffer 76.

  The compression processing unit 159 generates the fax data 6E3 by converting the corrected image data 6C2 into binary (monochrome) image data and compressing it. The fax data 6E3 is stored in the transmission waiting buffer 78, and the corrected image data 6C2 is deleted from the correction buffer 77.

  Then, the modem 10i transmits the fax data 6E3 to the fax terminal 22 designated in advance by the user. For example, when the telephone number of the fax terminal 22A is designated, the telephone number is dialed and the fax terminal 22A fax data 6E3 is transmitted. When the transmission is completed, the fax data 6E3 is deleted from the transmission waiting buffer 78.

  The job control unit 101 controls each unit so that each type of job is executed as described in (1) to (5) above. However, the job execution order is stored in the job list 40 in principle. It is the order of the record 4R. That is, the job related to the record 4R stored in the job list 40 is preferentially executed earlier.

  Further, the job control unit 101 appropriately executes a plurality of jobs in parallel according to the state of each unit illustrated in FIG. 2 or FIG. For example, a copy job and a fax reception job are executed in parallel. However, in this case, the image scanning step in the copy job and the fax data receiving step in the fax reception job can be executed in parallel, but the printing step in the copy job and the printing step in the fax reception job are Since there is only one print unit 10k, it cannot be executed in parallel. Therefore, the printing step stored first in the record 4R is executed first. Alternatively, the printing step in which the data (corrected image data 6B3 or bitmap data 6C3) is first stored in the print waiting buffer 74 may be executed first.

  Further, the image processing apparatus 1 has two modes, a normal mode and a memory saving mode, as modes of how the job proceeds. The job control unit 101 controls the job as follows according to the mode.

[Mode switching]
The normal mode is set immediately after the image processing apparatus 1 is turned on and the job control program 10P is started.

  The memory monitoring unit 103 constantly monitors the usage amount St. The usage amount St is the total amount of data (corrected image data 6A4, corrected image data 6B3, and bitmap data 6C3) stored in the print waiting buffer 74.

  When the usage amount St exceeds the threshold value Sc, the memory saving mode is set. Thereafter, when the usage amount St becomes equal to or less than the threshold value Sc, the normal mode is set.

  As the threshold value Sc, the amount of data necessary to maximize the printing capability (the number of sheets that can be printed per unit time) provided in the printing unit 10k to a maximum or a predetermined level is set in advance. Accordingly, the faster the printing speed of the print unit 10k, the larger the threshold value Sc is set. However, in order to secure a work area for other processing, a value that can be set as the threshold value Sc may be limited according to the size of the RAM 10b. Further, the faster the processing upstream of the printing processing, the faster the data necessary for printing is prepared in the print waiting buffer 74. Therefore, a smaller value may be set as the threshold value Sc as the upstream processing speed increases.

[In normal mode]
When the normal mode is set, the job control unit 101 executes each step one after another as long as resources to be used (each unit shown in FIG. 2 or 3) are free regardless of the type of job. Control each part.

  For example, the job control unit 101 executes a copy job as follows. If the free space of the RAM 10b is equal to or greater than a certain amount, the scan unit 10j is caused to execute the scan. Next, if the usage rate of the CPU 10a is equal to or less than a certain rate and the free space in the RAM 10b is equal to or greater than a certain amount, the image correction unit 156 is caused to execute correction processing and the like. Next, if the usage rate of the CPU 10a is equal to or less than a certain rate and the free space in the RAM 10b is equal to or greater than a certain amount, the second image processing unit 157 is caused to execute color space conversion processing or the like. If the print unit 10k is idling, the print unit 10k is caused to execute a printing process.

  Alternatively, the job control unit 101 executes a fax reception job as follows. If the usage rate of the CPU 10a is equal to or less than a certain rate and the free capacity of the RAM 10b is equal to or greater than a certain amount, the decompression processing unit 154 is caused to perform decompression processing. Next, if the usage rate of the CPU 10a is equal to or less than a certain rate and the free space of the RAM 10b is equal to or greater than a certain amount, the resolution conversion unit 155 is caused to execute resolution conversion processing. If the print unit 10k is idling, the print unit 10k is caused to execute a printing process.

  In addition, each above-mentioned fixed quantity is a quantity which changes according to each step. The same applies to each of the above-mentioned fixed rates.

[In the case of memory saving mode]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the size of data handled in each job.

  When the memory saving mode is set, the job control unit 101 handles each job waiting for execution and each job being executed as follows according to the type.

  For the PC print job, if the processing by the analysis processing unit 151 has not yet started when the mode is switched to the memory saving mode, the job control unit 101 suspends the start and waits. As a result, the data of this PC print job stays in the reception buffer 71 as the image data 6A1. As shown in FIG. 6, the PC print job data transitions from the image data 6A1 to the corrected image data 6A4, but the minimum is when the image data is 6A1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in the usage amount of the RAM 10b by retaining the image data 6A1.

  If the size can be reduced by performing the next process on the image data 6A1, the next process may be executed.

  On the other hand, if the processing after the analysis processing unit 151 has already started at the time of switching to the memory saving mode, the job control unit 101 cancels the step being executed, and the intermediate progress data in that step is read from the RAM 10b. Let it be deleted. However, printing by the print unit 10k is continued without being stopped. Alternatively, in order not to waste processing, this PC print job may be completed up to the last step without pausing at an intermediate step, or after the step being executed is completed, You may prevent it from proceeding to this step.

  Alternatively, if the processing by the drawing processing unit 152 has already been completed or started, the job control unit 101 performs processing by the first image processing unit 153 based on the result (bitmap data 6A3) of the drawing processing unit 152. You may proceed. The corrected image data 6A4 is obtained from the bitmap data 6A3 by the first image processing unit 153, but the size of the corrected image data 6A4 is smaller than that of the bitmap data 6A3. Therefore, the amount of use of the RAM 10b can be reduced by proceeding with the processing by the first image processing unit 153.

  If the size of the corrected image data 6A4 is larger than that of the bitmap data 6A3, the process by the first image processing unit 153 is not advanced and the process waits.

  The fax reception job is basically the same as that of the PC print job. That is, if the job control unit 101 has not yet started processing by the decompression processing unit 154 at the time of switching to the memory saving mode, the job control unit 101 suspends starting and waits. As a result, the data of this fax reception job stays in the reception buffer 71 as fax data 6B1. As shown in FIG. 6, the fax reception job data transitions from the fax data 6B1 to the corrected image data 6B3, but the minimum is when the fax data is the fax data 6B1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in the usage amount of the RAM 10b by retaining the fax data 6B1.

  On the other hand, when the processing after the decompression processing unit 154 has already started at the time of switching to the memory saving mode, the job control unit 101 is executing other than printing by the print unit 10k as in the case of the PC print job. This step is stopped, and data in the middle of the step is deleted from the RAM 10b. Or you may complete to the last step. Alternatively, when the step being executed is completed, it may be prevented from proceeding to the subsequent steps.

  As for the copy job, the SCAN_TO_PC job, and the fax transmission job, the job control unit 101 controls each unit so that each step is executed one after another if the resource is free as in the normal mode. This is because, as shown in FIG. 6, each time these jobs are advanced, the size of the data becomes smaller and the usage amount of the RAM 10b can be reduced. In the case of the SCAN_TO_PC job and the fax transmission job, output is performed by hardware (NIC 10h or modem 10i) other than the print unit 10k. Alternatively, the fax transmission job can be completed and the data can be deleted from the RAM 10b.

  Here, an example of the progress of the job in the memory saving mode will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Assume that the job list 40 stores four job records 4R as shown in FIG. At this point, the normal mode is set. In the SCAN_TO_PC job, the transmission step of the image file 6D3 is executed, in the copy job, the printing step is executed, and in the fax reception job, the reception step of the fax data 6B1 is executed. In the job, the step of receiving the image data 6A1 is executed.

  The step of receiving the fax data 6B1 of the fax reception job and the subsequent steps are completed, and the corrected image data 6B3 is stored in the print waiting buffer 74. As a result, the usage amount St exceeds the threshold value Sc.

  When the memory monitoring unit 103 detects that the usage amount St exceeds the threshold value Sc, the memory saving mode is set. For the PC print job, the job control unit 101 does not proceed to the next step, that is, the analysis processing step even if the step of receiving the image data 6A1 is completed. That is, as shown in FIG. 4B, the status of the record 4R of the PC print job is “waiting for analysis processing”.

  Thereafter, when a new copy job command is input, the job control unit 101 appropriately executes a scan step. In response to the input of the command, the record 4R of this copy job is stored in the job list 40 as shown in FIG. As described above, even when the memory saving mode is set, the copy job proceeds in the same manner as when the normal mode is set. Accordingly, after the scan step is completed, the job control unit 101 causes the subsequent steps to be appropriately executed without being suspended (waiting).

  Then, when the printing step in the previous copy job is completed and the usage amount St becomes equal to or less than the threshold value Sc, the memory monitoring unit 103 detects this and sets the normal mode. Then, the job control unit 101 cancels the standby. Then, the PC print job analysis processing step is appropriately executed (see FIG. 4D).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow by the job control program 10P. The image processing apparatus 1 realizes the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 when the CPU 10a executes a program stored in the ROM 10c or the flash memory 10d.

  Next, an overall processing flow related to a job in the image processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

  The default mode of the image processing apparatus 1 is the normal mode. The image processing apparatus 1 constantly monitors the total amount of data stored in the print waiting buffer 74, that is, the usage amount St (# 11).

  When the image processing apparatus 1 detects that the usage amount St exceeds the threshold value Sc (Yes in # 12), if the current mode is the normal mode (Yes in # 13), the image processing apparatus 1 switches from the normal mode to the memory saving mode. (# 14).

  Alternatively, when the image processing apparatus 1 detects that the usage amount St is equal to or less than the threshold value Sc (No in # 12, Yes in # 15), if the current mode is the memory saving mode (Yes in # 16). Then, the memory saving mode is switched to the normal mode (# 17).

  The image processing apparatus 1 executes each job in accordance with the currently set mode (# 18).

  Then, the image processing apparatus 1 appropriately executes the above-described processing until a command to turn off the power is input (No in # 19, # 11 to # 18).

  According to the present embodiment, the RAM 10b of the image processing apparatus 1 can be used more efficiently than before. The RAM 10b can secure a free area more reliably than before and can accept more jobs. In addition, it is possible to ensure a work area for processing by the CPU 10a more securely than before, prevent processing delay, and prevent the user from feeling stressed.

  In the present embodiment, the copy job has a smaller data size as the processing proceeds. However, depending on the contents of the processes that make up the copy job, the size of the data to be handled may increase during the process. In such a case, in the memory saving mode, it is desirable that the image processing apparatus 1 waits without executing a process that increases the data size. The same applies to the SCAN_TO_PC job and the fax transmission job. Alternatively, the SCAN_TO_PC job can output the result, that is, transmit the image file 6D3 at a higher speed than other jobs. Therefore, for the SCAN_TO_PC job, all processes may be executed without waiting even in the memory saving mode regardless of the contents of the process.

  In addition, the configuration of the entire image processing apparatus 1 or each unit, the processing content, the processing order, the data configuration, and the like can be appropriately changed in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

1 Image processing apparatus 10b RAM (memory)
101 Job control unit (control means)
10h NIC (transmission means)
10i modem (transmission means)
10k print unit (printing means)
151 Analysis processing unit (data processing means)
152 Drawing processing unit (data processing means)
153 First image processing unit (data processing means)
154 Decompression processing unit (data processing means)
155 Resolution converter (data processing means)
156 Image correction unit (data processing means)
157 Second image processing unit (data processing means)
158 File converter (data processing means)
159 Compression processing unit (data processing means)

Claims (13)

Acquisition means for acquiring image data;
First process by performing containing the conversion process, which converts the decompressed and resolution decompresses a fax data acquired as the data from the size of the data is larger process, other devices, and a second process, of one or more processes included in at least one, performed on the data, and a data processing unit,
A memory for storing the acquired data or the data subjected to the one or more processes;
Output means for outputting the data subjected to the first process or the data subjected to the second process, stored in the memory;
Among the processes included in the first process when the total amount of the acquired data and the one or more processed data stored in the memory exceeds a predetermined amount Control means for controlling the data processing means to wait for execution of the decompression processing and the conversion processing;
An image processing apparatus comprising: Acquisition means for acquiring image data;
First process including a drawing process, the analysis processing and rasterization to analyze data acquired PDL (Page Description Language) the size of the data is larger process, as the data from the other device by performing, and, a second process, the one or more processes included in at least one, performed on the data, and a data processing unit,
A memory for storing the acquired data or the data subjected to the one or more processes;
Output means for outputting the data subjected to the first process or the data subjected to the second process, stored in the memory;
Among the processes included in the first process when the total amount of the acquired data and the one or more processed data stored in the memory exceeds a predetermined amount Control means for controlling the data processing means so as to wait for execution of the analysis processing and the drawing processing;
An image processing apparatus comprising: Acquisition means for acquiring image data;
Data processing means for performing one or more processes included in at least one of the first process and the second process on the acquired data;
A memory for storing the acquired data or the data subjected to the one or more processes;
Output means for outputting the data subjected to the first process or the data subjected to the second process, stored in the memory;
Among the processes included in the first process, during execution of the acquired size enlargement processing size of the data is increased by performing, stored in the memory, which is the acquired Control means for controlling the data processing means to interrupt the size enlargement process when the total amount of data and the data subjected to the one or more processing exceeds a predetermined amount;
An image processing apparatus comprising: Said first process including a drawing process of analysis and rasterization to analyze data acquired PDL (Page Description Language) as the data from another device as the size enlargement process,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 . Said first process including a conversion process of converting the decompressed and resolution decompresses a fax data acquired as the data from another device as the size enlargement process,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 . The output means includes
Printing means for printing the image on paper based on the data subjected to the first process;
Transmission means for transmitting the data subjected to the second process to another device;
Having
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 . The predetermined amount is an amount of the data necessary to maximize the capability of the printing means or beyond a certain level.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 6 . Get image data,
First process by performing containing the conversion process, which converts the decompressed and resolution decompresses a fax data acquired as the data from the size of the data is larger process, other devices, and a second One or more processes included in at least one of the processes are performed on the data by the data processing means,
Storing the acquired data or the data subjected to the one or more processes in a memory;
Outputting the data subjected to the first process or the data subjected to the second process stored in the memory;
Among the processes included in the first process when the total amount of the acquired data and the one or more processed data stored in the memory exceeds a predetermined amount Controlling the data processing means to wait for executing the decompression process and the conversion process;
A data processing method. Get image data,
First process including a drawing process, the analysis processing and rasterization to analyze data acquired PDL (Page Description Language) the size of the data is larger process, as the data from the other device by performing, and performs on the data by the second process, one is included in at least one or a plurality of processing data processing means,
Storing the acquired data or the data subjected to the one or more processes in a memory;
Outputting the data subjected to the first process or the data subjected to the second process stored in the memory;
Among the processes included in the first process when the total amount of the acquired data and the one or more processed data stored in the memory exceeds a predetermined amount Controlling the data processing means to wait for executing the analysis process and the drawing process;
A data processing method. Get image data,
One or more processes included in at least one of the first process and the second process are performed by the data processing means on the acquired data,
Storing the acquired data or the data subjected to the one or more processes in a memory;
Outputting the data subjected to the first process or the data subjected to the second process stored in the memory;
Of the processes included in the first process, the data processing means stores the acquired data in the memory while executing the size expansion process that increases the size of the acquired data . , if the amount of data to which the acquired data and the one or more processing has been performed exceeds a predetermined amount, for controlling the data processing means so as to interrupt the size enlargement process,
A data processing method. First process involving the conversion process, which converts the decompressed and resolution expands the size of the data of the image is larger process, a facsimile data acquired as the data from other devices by executing, and, the second process, the one or more processes included in at least one, performed on the data, the data processing unit, and a computer program for use in the image processing apparatus having a memory,
In the image processing apparatus,
A process for acquiring the data;
Said data processing means is controlled such that one or more processes included in at least one of the first process and the second process to the acquired data is performed,
Causing the memory to store the acquired data or the data subjected to the one or more processes;
Executing the process of outputting the data subjected to the first process or the data subjected to the second process stored in the memory;
Among the processes included in the first process when the total amount of the acquired data and the one or more processed data stored in the memory exceeds a predetermined amount The data processing means is controlled to wait for execution of the decompression process and the conversion process,
A computer program characterized by the above. A first process including an analysis process for analyzing PDL (Page Description Language) data acquired as data from another apparatus and a rendering process for rasterizing, which is a process that increases the size of image data by executing the process. , and a second process, the one or more processes included in at least one, performed on the data, the data processing unit, and a computer program for use in the image processing apparatus having a memory,
In the image processing apparatus,
A process for acquiring the data;
Said data processing means is controlled such that one or more processes included in at least one of the first process and the second process to the acquired data is performed,
Causing the memory to store the acquired data or the data subjected to the one or more processes;
Executing the process of outputting the data subjected to the first process or the data subjected to the second process stored in the memory;
Among the processes included in the first process when the total amount of the acquired data and the one or more processed data stored in the memory exceeds a predetermined amount , Causing the data processing means to control to wait for the analysis process and the drawing process to be executed.
A computer program characterized by the above. A computer program used in an image processing apparatus having data processing means and memory for performing one or more processes included in at least one of a first process and a second process on image data,
In the image processing apparatus,
A process for acquiring the data;
Said data processing means is controlled such that one or more processes included in at least one of the first process and the second process to the acquired data is performed,
Causing the memory to store the acquired data or the data subjected to the one or more processes;
Executing the process of outputting the data subjected to the first process or the data subjected to the second process stored in the memory;
Among the processes included in the first process, during execution of the acquired size enlargement processing size of the data is increased by performing, stored in the memory, which is the acquired When the total amount of data and the data subjected to the one or more processing exceeds a predetermined amount, the data processing means is controlled to interrupt the size expansion processing ;
A computer program characterized by the above.

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